It appears that winter is here to stay in Minnesota, and that means that for the next few months, we expect to field a number of calls from people who were injured after slipping on a patch of snow or ice. They typically want to know if they have a right to compensation after slipping on ice on a sidewalk or someone else’s property, but earning compensation is more complex than simply proving that injuries exist after a slip and fall. In today’s blog, we explain how quickly icy conditions need to be managed in order to absolve a property owner from liability.
Snow And Ice Removal In Minnesota
There is no statewide law that mandates how quickly snow and ice needs to be removed from walkways in order to absolve an individual or a business from liability, but most cities have laws regarding snow removal. For example, Minneapolis states that single family homes and duplexes have 24 hours from when it stops snowing to remove ice and snow from walkways. All other types of properties (like businesses or apartment complexes) must have the snow removed within four daylight hours of the snow ending. Daylight hours during Minnesota winters are considered 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., so if it snows overnight, a business would have until noon to have the snow removed from their walkways. Other large cities like St. Paul and Rochester follow similar rules, but look into the laws of your local municipality for specific regulations.
And while these rules are in place, there’s no guarantee that you will or won’t be able to get compensation if you are injured after a slip and fall on an icy sidewalk in Minnesota. You’ll have a stronger case if the property owner clearly violated the laws regarding ice and snow removal, but the fact of the matter is that we live in Minnesota, and we expect a fair amount of snow each winter. It’s unreasonable to expect the sidewalks and parking lots to be completely free from all snow and ice just a few hours after snow has stopped, so our first recommendation is to really pay attention to where you’re walking in the winter. Pick your steps carefully and don’t have your nose in your phone while you’re out walking. It’s easier to avoid a slip and fall than to earn compensation after the fact.
If you are injured on an icy sidewalk, be prepared for an uphill battle winning your claim. If you’re serious about wanting to win a claim, you’ll want a lawyer by your side. The property owner’s insurance company will certainly have experienced legal minds on their side, and you should do the same. We’ve seen claims denied because snow and ice should be expected in Minnesota, or because ice “wasn’t that bad,” so you need to go above and beyond proving that the property owner’s decision not to remove snow and ice directly led to your potentially preventable injuries.
You’ll also want to take pictures of the scene of the accident and have your injuries professionally assessed at a medical facility within 24-48 hours of injury. Unless there is clear evidence of legitimate medical injuries, you’re not going to be eligible for compensation, so you need to head to a doctor’s office.
Please watch your step when you’re outside this winter. Thousands of Minnesotans slip and fall on snow and ice every day during the winter, and some suffer serious injuries. If you are injured as a result of someone else’s negligence and are wondering if you have a valid injury claim, reach out to the team at Hey Workers today at (844) 439-9675.
